Jennifer Vrba
Wake Forest,NC
Summary
20+ years experience in sales, merchandising and marketing.
Dedicated professional with a history of meeting goals utilizing consistent and organized practices leveraged by data, research and logical story telling.
Respected leader driving a culture of collaboration, innovative thinking, adaptability and accountability.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Product Marketing
Advance Auto Parts
09.2020 - Current
- Led team of marketing professionals, offering mentoring and coaching to build knowledge and skills.
- Streamlined internal communication for better cross-functional collaboration, resulting in more efficient product marketing strategies.
- Optimized marketing budgets by analyzing performance metrics and reallocating resources as needed.
- Led market research initiatives to identify customer journeys, brand positioning, market data to inform go to market development strategies.
Director Category Management
Advance Auto Parts
03.2017 - 10.2020
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Spearheaded successful product and campaign launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Senior Category Manager
Advance Auto Parts
09.2014 - 03.2018
- Achieved significant cost savings by negotiating contracts and developing strategic partnerships with suppliers.
- Improved supplier performance through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of corrective actions.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining procurement processes and implementing best practices in category management.
- Reduced inventory levels and improved cash flow through effective demand forecasting and inventory management techniques.
Buyer
Sears Holdings Company
09.2005 - 09.2014
- Implemented data-driven strategies to optimize purchasing decisions based on historical trends and market fluctuations.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to antique consumer buying patterns.
Outside Sales Representative
Pella Window & Door
03.2001 - 03.2004
- Developed in-depth knowledge of product features, benefits, and pricing strategies to effectively communicate value propositions to clients.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with existing customers to maintain satisfaction levels and identify upsell opportunities.
- Provided comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering long-term business relationships.
- Participated in weekly sales meetings to discuss performance metrics, strategize on improvements, and share best practices among colleagues.
- Organized time efficiently to maximize daily outreach efforts while also maintaining detailed records of all interactions in CRM system.
- Attended industry conferences and networking events regularly to stay updated on latest trends and establish valuable connections within the field.
- Worked closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering or production department for smooth order fulfillment processes resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Visited customer locations to evaluate requirements, demonstrate product offerings, and propose strategic solutions for diverse needs.
- Exceeded monthly sales targets and quotas consistently.
Retail Sales and Managment
Claire's Boutique, Anne Taylor, 3Day Blinds
11.1992 - 09.2001
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Supported store leadership in implementing new merchandising strategies which led to improved product positioning and overall visual appeal.
- Trained and supervised new employees to use selling strategies and apply best practices.
Education
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Marketing And Communications
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL06.2000
Skills
- Cross Functional Leadership
- Marketing Analytics
- Channel Marketing
- Product positioning
- Data-driven decision-making
- Internal Communications
- Customer Journey Mapping
- Competitive Analysis
- Sales Forecasting
- Strategic Marketing
- Training and Onboarding
- Marketing Program Management
- Strategic Planning and Alignment
- Product Promotion
- Vendor Relations
- Campaign Planning
- Analytical Thinking
- Adaptability
Timeline
Director Product Marketing
Advance Auto Parts
09.2020 - Current
Director Category Management
Advance Auto Parts
03.2017 - 10.2020
Senior Category Manager
Advance Auto Parts
09.2014 - 03.2018
Buyer
Sears Holdings Company
09.2005 - 09.2014
Outside Sales Representative
Pella Window & Door
03.2001 - 03.2004
Retail Sales and Managment
Claire's Boutique, Anne Taylor, 3Day Blinds
11.1992 - 09.2001
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Marketing And Communications
Elmhurst College
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